No Crumbs of Comfort as Marple Steamrollered!

Neston 279 for 6 (55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 103 all out (31.2 overs) 2 points by 176 runs

With dry and warm weather finally returning after successive washed out games, the Marple ground looked in superb condition for the visit of high flying Neston. The Wirral micro climate meant that the visitors had played the previous week, comfortably defeating Hyde, when almost all other games in the league were cancelled. The wicket was dry, very firm and had a whitish appearance. Frustratingly, Marple captain Jim Morgan lost the toss and his team were set for a long afternoon in the field.

Morgan had chosen to field just the four front line bowlers, and such a tactic needed them to be firing on all cylinders from the start. For Neston, Will Evans the Cheshire wicket keeper batsman is one of the most dangerous and destructive batsmen in the premier league. He began with a flurry of boundaries as Liam Brown, striving for extra pace, was a little rusty after the enforced three week layoff. He bowled an initial spell of just three overs.  Andy Wylie was his usual self accuracy wise, but there was precious little assistance for the bowlers, and both Evans and his partner Smith had time to play their strokes. Wylie did get the wicket of Smith (7), caught behind by Morgan at 31 for 1, but Dane Williams, formerly of the Oxton club, did a good job in support of Evans. 

The pair were rarely troubled, and Evans, after missing a big shot against Greasley, was content to play sensibly, reining himself in. They added 90 before Greasley picked up Williams for 41, once more smartly taken by Morgan. The arrival of the technically secure Luke Camden to partner Evans did not see the scoring rate falter. These two classy left handers took Neston beyond 200, and Evans, with eleven fours and three sixes brought up a quality and at times violently struck century before he was bowled by the returning Wylie for 117. South African Michael Eckard joined Camden, and although this hard hitting batsman briefly threatened to run riot, he fell lbw to Wylie for just 17 at 231 for 4.

It was from this point onwards that Marple’s fielding began to wilt visibly. Camden came into his own now, timing the ball beautifully. Hitting seven fours and a six in his 72, he dominated the final stages of the innings as Neston cruised to a formidable 279 for 6 in the full 55 overs. For Marple, Greasley was accurate with 1 for 40 and Wylie was not particularly flattered with just 3 for 81 from 15 overs. Both Brown and George Clarke struggled without much assistance from the pitch, although Clarke did pick up couple of late wickets including that of Camden, well caught by Wood in the deep from the final delivery of the innings.

Almost three and a half hours chasing leather on a warm afternoon had a detrimental effect on Marple’s reply to such a formidable total. Andrew Hall was yorked for 0 second ball by Neston’s paceman Ash Davis. Jim Morgan did play a cameo innings of 27, some anger being taken out on Davis as he unleashed some glorious boundaries. However, a checked drive off the same bowler was well caught, high above his head, by Eckard at extra cover. Morgan looked in top form, and it was a real pity for a good crowd that he could not go on.

After this episode there was little to cheer for Marple. From the depths of 59 for 6, Paulett and Brown added 39, not looking in trouble, and probably making the top order wish that they could have batted some time in the middle. Paulett hit off spinner Eckard for two gigantic straight sixes in his 28 not out and Brown was stylish with his 16. Slow left arm spinner Luke Jones completely mesmerised the tail in quick order though, ending with a flattering 5 for 17. Once again, a bowler of this type had completely out foxed half the Marple bastmen. 103 all out was a very depressing response on a good if slowish surface and a lightning quick outfield.

This was a chastening defeat for Marple, and they will now have to accept, even before the halfway point of the season, that they are in a battle for premier league survival along with probably three other clubs. From this aging hack’s observations, the general standard of play in the league this season is consistently higher than that of 2018. This appears to be particularly true of the bowling, with runs generally hard to come by. There are no easy games.

Next week, Saturday 29^th June, Marple are at home once more with a game against near rivals Hyde, start time 12.30pm. 

Marple seconds made the long trip to Neston. This is one of the most attractive grounds in Cheshire, and a good game of cricket between two good second eleven teams ensued. Neston took first knock and rattled up 215 for 9. When Marple responded they were in good shape at 110 for 2, James Crisall and Stuart Bass hitting half centuries. However, a middle order collapse followed and it was left to Sam Stretton and Joel Greasley to see out a draw, Marple ending on 178 for 9. 

On Sunday Marple thirds battled hard to reach a competitive 144 all out from 40.1 overs  against Didsbury thirds. Lewis Braddock top scored with 43, and the lower order dug in to get Marple out of a hole at 75 for 5, Tom Reeve 25, Connor Bergin 13 and James Reeve 11 not out. For Didsbury, Mohammed Hoque had 3 for 15 and Rab Nawaz 3 for 31. When Didsbury replied, all the Marple bowlers did a good job, however they could not dislodge opener Jordan Harrison. He made a match winning 90, only being dismissed by leg spinner Paul Roberts four runs short of victory. Didsbury winners by four wickets with five overs to spare.

June Monsoons Continue at Nantwich!

Despite the best endeavours of the Nantwich ground staff and players, persistent and heavy rain meant that there was no prospect of play at Nantwich’s superb Whitehouse Lane venue last Saturday. The south west corner of Cheshire had received a huge amount of rain during the preceding days, and although both sides were keen to play if possible, there was never the remotest chance of cricket.

Marple now have the rare luxury of three consecutive home games. The first of these, weather permitting this soggy June, is against Wirral club Neston next Saturday with a 12.30pm start.

The second eleven game between the two clubs did get underway at Bowden Lane however. Marple got off to a good start with Connor Ramsay making a fluent 33. His dismissal though, led to a middle order collapse with Ben Mogg picking up 4 four 12 for the visitors. The rains returned though with Marple on 68 for 6 and no further play possible.

 There was no third eleven game last Sunday, but the women’s teams of Marple and Hawarden Park put on a good game at Bowden Lane in a match reduced to 20 overs per side because of the weather. Park made a solid 102 for 2, Rachel Warrenger starring with 44 not out.  Marple reached 84 for 5 in a spirited reply. Laura Cavanagh made 20 and Richmal Giles an attractive 47.

Rain Frustrates Marple!

Constant and heavy rain saw Marple’s potentially attractive game with an improved Cheadle side abandoned without a ball being bowled at Bowden Lane last Saturday. It was the same story at Kingsway as the seconds were also without cricket. Marple travel to current premier league champions Nantwich next Saturday 15^th June and a 12.30pm start.

Only skipper Jim Morgan with another violently hit half century (76) could make much impression against Hyde in the final T20 game in the group stages last Thursday. Hyde made it through to the quarter final stages, winning by six wickets against a young and improving Marple side in this form of the game. Marple 118 for 7 (Morgan 76) and Hyde 120 for 4 with almost three overs remaining. There were no stand out performers for Hyde, but it was an impressive all round effort from a side on the up again after returning to the top flight this season.

In a game finishing near to 9.30pm last Sunday, Marple and Sale’s third teams put on a terrific game of cricket. Marple 185 all out (39.1 overs) Will Darby 30, Jack Grundy 27, Max Fitzgerald 48. Youngsters Jonny Monk (12) and Dan Cox (17 not out) deserve special praise for helping Marple post such a good total after the game being in the balance at 145 for 7. Gareth Watterson , 5 for 47 and Ghani Khan, 3 for 25, were excellent for Sale.

After a period of torrential rain, the Marple ground now showed how quickly it can recover, and a good game ensued. Sale ended on 169 for 9 from 44 overs as Marple could just not prise out the final pair. Dan Newton, with 67 was the star for Sale. Marple’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Tom Reeve, 2 for 52 and Jack Grundy 3 for 13 being the pick. Marple took 14 points to Sale’s 9.

Sublime Sehmi sinks Marple!

Toft 229 for 3 (44.1 overs)25 points beat Marple 225 all out (52.5 overs) 9 points by seven wickets

A superb 101 not out by Toft’s multi talented wicket keeper batsman Robert Sehmi took Toft to what was ultimately a comfortable victory. This was a game which featured some high quality cricket from both teams at Toft’s scenic venue.

Marple skipper Jim Morgan was probably not too displeased to be asked to bat first on a fine but cloudy afternoon. The light was good and the wicket, whilst having a greenish tinge to it, had good carry and came onto the bat nicely. Toft’s opening attack of Jackson and Forster both bowled with good pace, with the former, in particular, achieving a good carry through to keeper Sehmi who was stood a good way back. Morgan and his partner Andrew Hall often thrive in these conditions though, and once more they gave Marple a good start, posting a second successive half century stand. There was little margin for error for the bowlers, as Hall, especially, pounced on anything slightly off line or length. It was first change Scott who claimed the initial wicket when Morgan (28) mistimed a pull stroke and was safely caught at mid on by Cornes. This was another innings full of promise cut off after the new ball had been seen off. However, 59 runs scored at a good pace were on the board. This brought in Danny Lamb at number three making his Marple debut. Lamb, a member of the current Lancashire squad, has suffered from injury, but here he showed what a talented batsman he is. He was watchful in defence, but unleashed a couple of brutal pull shots when the bowlers erred. He was content to rotate the strike with Hall, and the scoring rate was kept at a good level.

Hall passed a fluent half century, but was then out lbw on the sweep to the left arm spin of Toft skipper Jimmy Lomas. This was an uncharacteristic dismissal for Hall (51), as he does not usually use this particular stroke. Marple were still in good shape though at 104 for 2 with Lamb now set and Wood looking secure. At this stage of the innings, the Toft bowling was tight, with Lomas always accurate, and Cornes, the fourth seamer to be used, hitting an awkward length. It was the tall and powerfully built  Cornes who tilted things his side’s way when he managed to get Lamb (32) to chop a ball onto his stumps, and then find the edge of Wood’s bat to leave Marple wobbling on 121 for 4.

Their now followed a heartening stand of 56, scored at an excellent tempo, between Mark Makin and Mike Schofield who were starting on nought together. This was good cricket, and both batsmen showed fine character and skill. It was Schofield who frustrated Lomas, getting him away to the leg side boundary on several occasions, and also not allowing Rob Jones to settle with his leg spin. He seemed to have the measure of the Lancashire star, but maybe got a bit too ambitious and hit a return catch to the bowler at 177 for 5. He hit six fours in a breezy 36. At number seven Andrew Paulett initially supported Makin well, who now came into his own, being harsh on the returning Jackson and taking Marple beyond 200. Paulett fretted though in his anxiety to keep things moving, despite the fact there were still a good few overs remaining. He overreached against Jones and was stumped for just 5 at 203 for 6. Makin, after reaching an entertaining 45, mistimed Jackson to mid off to give the bowler a semblance of revenge at 211 for 7. Joe Cash then smote a couple of late boundaries off Jones to take Marple to 225 all out and maximum batting points. This was a competitive total, but two overs were unused, and Makin was not supported intelligently by the lower order. Jones had four late wickets for 37.

When Toft began their reply, Marple’s opening attack in this game of Liam Brown and Ryan Stringer both bowled well, enjoying good carry through to keeper Morgan. The Aussie Brown, in particular, was a real handful for Forster and Lomas, and it was an unlucky bowler when Morgan put down a sharp chance from Lomas. The Toft skipper then got both bowlers away to the fence with some hard hit drives. It was Stringer who picked up the first wicket at 41 when Lomas (24) edged once more to Morgan.  This brought in Rob Sehmi, and the former Loughborough and Kent second eleven man looked in complete control at once. He is a stylish, classical player with superb footwork, exquisite timing and he rarely lofts the ball, often finding the gaps in the field with his placement. Joe Cash dragged down a couple of short deliveries in his opening over, but no fieldsman moved as the ball was clinically despatched to the boundary. Cash settled after this wayward beginning, and Forster chipped him to Wood at mid off for 31 and the total 107 for 2.

With Sehmi well set this brought in Toft number four Rob Jones. Jones is also currently Lancashire’s number four, and is enjoying a fine season in first class cricket. Here, he respected the bowling, and rotated the strike with Sehmi. Marple toiled in vain, as two high class players took complete control. There was nothing ugly in a superb stand of 116 runs in just over an hour. Marple’s bowlers ran in with determination, but timing and placement from both players found the boundary with regularity. From the spectators view point it was royal entertainment. Brown, short of good fortune on this day, did have Jones well caught by George Clarke at fine leg from a top edged hook for a cultured 57, but the game was up. Sehmi, with 18 stroked boundaries remained 101 not out, and a sizeable crowd cheered his brilliant knock.

Although defeated, Marple played much good cricket in this game, and should not be too down on themselves. There is a home game with Cheadle at Bowden Lane next Saturday, 12.30pm start, and also a deciding T20 game against Hyde on Thursday at 6.00pm also at Bowden Lane.

Hostile Grundy Downs Toft Seconds!

A very welcome return of 5 for 32 from Marple’s talented young seam bowler Jack Grundy accounted for Toft in the second eleven encounter between the two clubs at Bowden Lane on Saturday. In Marple’s hard earned 154 all out, James Crisall made 26, Max Fitgerald another good 32, Stewart Bass 38 and Andy Massey 24.

Grundy bowled 15 overs in one spell as Toft had no answer to his movement and lift. He was particularly well supported by Andy Massey with 3 for 16. Joe Stanley with 33 top scored for Toft, but a last wicket stand of 49 between James Hodgson, 25,  and Gohar Rashid 19 not out, caused a few nerves before Connor Ramsay turned bowler to finish things off by castling Hodgson. Toft ended 134 all out, and a Marple win by 20 runs.

Darby and Grundy (Again!) Star in Thirds Demolition!

A superb 106 from Will Darby took Marple thirds to an out of sight 226 for 5 declared in the third eleven game between Toft and Marple on Sunday. The hard hitting and emerging Lewis Braddock with 44 gave terrific support in a century plus stand with Darby. Andy Gichero then whacked a rapid 43 as the home bowlers wilted.

Grundy, determined to get some welcome overs under his belt, added to his Saturday haul, this time with 5 for 23 as Toft were routed for just 75. Paul Roberts mopped up the tail with his leg spin taking 3 for 13.

News of a Max Fitzgerald inspired demolition of Hyde thirds, but T20 agony!

A stunning all round effort from Max Fitzgerald propelled Marple thirds to a great win in the Sunday Premier League over local rivals Hyde at Werneth Low last Sunday.

Max's fast improving leg spin, he took a fantastic 6 for 32, more than ably supported by off spinner Connor Bergin with 3 for 15, sent Hyde packing for the mythical score of "Nelson", 111 all out. It was a joy for skipper Greg Marsland to see his young and contrasting spin partners weave their magic. Lewis Barham with 33 top scored for Hyde, before he was bowled by the up and coming Tom Reeve.

When Marple replied, Will Darby with 41 not out got things underway. However, when Matt Leech was dismissed at 37 for 2, Fitzgerald wasted no time in getting into his stride. Nine fours and a six in his 48 not out took Marple to an eight wicket win, the runs coming in just 17.4 overs.

It was disappointment though in the third eleven T20 quarter finals against Didsbury thirds on Monday. After a good start through Sam Stretton, 17 and Mark Nicholson, 21, things fell away somewhat. Only Lewis Braddock 22 and Connor Bergin 13 not out made meaningful contributions in a modest final tally of 102 for 8. George Poyser with 5 for 16 from his four overs was the destroyer in chief.

Didsbury were comfortable winners by seven wickets, despite Marsland using seven different bowlers. Opener Richard Daniel with 56 not out steered his side home.

THE THREE ANDREWS LEAD MARPLE TO FIRST WIN!

Marple 185 for 9 (55overs) 25 points beat Oulton Park 130 all out (41.5 overs) 5 points by 55 runs

Marple entertained Oulton Park at Bowden Lane last Saturday on a coolish late May afternoon, but one that remained mercifully dry.

With the Marple batting line up having failed to chase down totals both small and large in recent weeks, captain Jim Morgan was no doubt relieved to win the toss and take first knock in this game between two sides that have struggled early this season. Morgan and his illustrious opening partner Andrew Hall put together by far Marple's best opening stand of the season on a used pitch. Although the pitch had turn and bounce , there was a case that Park skipper Martin East was falsely lured into thinking it was a spinners paradise.

His opening attack of Lancashire Academy and second team left arm seamer Ben Gibbon and veteran Andy Hards were only given four overs between them before off spinners Dufty and Newton took over.  Whilst Hall was not initially at his most fluent, he did get the ball away to the boundary two or three times with the aid of a thick outside edge. Morgan looked in fine fettle, lofting Dufty for a huge straight six, and giving the air of a man in prime touch.  With Hall finding gradually finding his form, 76 runs came in good time as the ball sped across a lightning quick outfield that was in superb condition. Morgan chopped a ball from Newton on to his stumps for a fine 36 and was visibly annoyed with himself. However, the Marple skipper had done an excellent job with Hall in giving Marple a huge advantage in the game. This was to become apparent immediately, as all subsequent Marple batsmen found the going tough. Forty-six overs of spin were delivered, and Marple were grateful that Hall used his experience and considerable skill to hold the innings together. 
Gibbon returned, but now showed Gary Sobers like versatility in delivering 15 consecutive overs of probingly accurate left arm spin. The.tall and talented bowler proved to be a real handful in this surprising role. He eventually trapped Hall for a priceless 74, but Marple were now 134 for 3. Mark Makin, 14 and Mike Schofield, 32, were not able to gain control over the Park spinners, but they helped to grind out a working total of 185 for 9. Gibbon had 3 for 47, Dufty 2 for 50, and Danny Leech chipped in with a handy 2 for 35 as the third off spinner to be used.

When Park's reply got underway, both Liam Brown and Andy Wylie were absolutely on the mark immediately for Marple. Brown showed that there was some carry for a bowler prepared to bend his back, and Wylie was relentless in his accuracy. Marple have missed Wylie's reliability and wicket taking ability in recent seasons, but presently he is back to his best. He quickly nipped out the dangerous top three of New Zealander Ward, Danny Leech, still one of the county's best bats, and Hyslop.

If Marple's third talented Andy, off spinner Greasley, had felt pressure to out bowl the Park spin quartet he didn't show it, luring the powerful East into a simple return catch. At 18 for 4 it was surely just a matter of time? Wylie was rested after eight overs and a superb 3 for 11, Brown returning. After Greasley had trapped the floundering Jamieson lbw at 30 for 5, Gibbon was bowled by a Brown snorter to leave the total at 37 for 6. All the while Mark Latham had watched the middle order disintegrate, and it was not until number 10 Newton joined him at 64 for 8 that there was any resistance. Newton, a left hander, enjoyed some good fortune against Greasley as the ball beat his outside edge on a number of occasions. He dogged it out though, and with Latham playing some fine strokes, this ninth wicket pair took the score to 130. An anxious Jim Morgan then threw the ball to George Clarke who nonchalantly claimed the final two wickets within five deliveries, Latham for a courageous 58, and Hards, bowled for a duck. Newton remained on 14 not out. Greasley, was unstoppable with 4 for 38 from seventeen peerless overs.

This was a vital morale boosting win for Marple, who were mighty relieved to gain a first league victory of the season. They also remain unbeaten in the T20 after brutal 69 from Mark Makin and the pace of Liam Brown with 3 for 11 helped account for a spirited Stockport side at Cale Green last Thursday night, Marple 181 for 6 and Stockport 134 all out. Next Saturday sees a trip to Toft with a 12.30 pm start.

In the second eleven game between Oulton Park and Marple at picturesque Little Budworth, Park edged a fine game by five wickets. Marple 216 for 7, Andy Wild 66, Stewart Bass 62 not out, Oulton Park 217 for 5, Owen Williamson 69 not out, with Joe Cash taking  3 for 35 for Marple. 

Positive Reaction Required After Thrashing!

Chester Boughton Hall 306 for 1 declared (47 overs) 25 points beat Marple 85 all out (24.2 overs) 0 points by 221 runs

Chester Boughton Hall is arguably the toughest venue in the county for visiting sides, and is especially so when a side low on confidence loses the toss and has to field first.

Chester openers Rick Moore and Warren Goodwin are a formidable combination, and Goodwin, after a lean season in 2018 by his standards, is keen to return to his form of old. At no stage though did the Marple bowlers throw in the towel in the face of the onslaught. It was Goodwin initially who got his side off to a flyer, and then once settled, Moore used his power and timing to catch up with his partner. There were many fours and sixes hit by both men, and it will be of little consolation to Marple that this sort of exhibition has been performed against many teams in the recent past. A superb stand of 221 was posted by current Cheshire captain Moore and former Cheshire and Lancashire 2^nd XI batman Goodwin still only 32.  A mistimed drive by Moore brought his end for a brutal 107, caught by Wood off Clarke. Although Goodwin lost the strike for a while when number three Jamie Crawley came in, the scoring rate scarcely dipped as another county man showed his class. Goodwin, after posting his second successive century, then really hit the gas to take his side side beyond 300, and bring up his own 150, before Moore mercifully called time at 306 for 1.

Faced with such a daunting total, Marple had no answers to a steady and accurate attack. A combination of good deliveries and loose strokes saw them bowled out for just 85 in the twenty-fifth over. A number of players managed double figures, Paulett top scoring with 29, but could not stay and go on to a big score. The wickets were shared for Chester, with McCormick taking 3, Aspin 2, Harry Killoran 1, and leg spinner Jack Williams bamboozling the tail with 4 for 15.

Marple will need a very quick reaction to this sobering defeat when they entertain fellow league strugglers Oulton Park at Bowden Lane next Saturday, 12.30pm start.

There was better news in the T20 competition with two comfortable victories for a young Marple side against Romiley and Stockport Georgians. Two hard hit half centuries from skipper Jim Morgan saw Marple post solid totals in both games. The third match of four in a round robin mini league takes place at Stockport’s Cale Green ground next Thursday, 6.00pm start.

 On a tired and slow pitch at Marple on Saturday, Marple’s under strength second eleven could only manage a meagre 50 all out in response to Chester’s 126 all out. Joel Greasley, in his first game of the season took a splendid 6 for 35 for Marple, but the batsmen, although digging in, could not keep the scoreboard ticking over. They slip from top to fourth in the league.

Marple’s third team managed to lighten the gloom with a sterling effort at Cheadle on Sunday against a traditionally strong third eleven. Cheadle took first knock and posted a formidable 224 for 9, with Tom Reeve 4 for 53, Greg Marsland 2 for 53, James Reeve 1 for 44 and Will Darby (a rare opportunity with ball!) 1 for 16 taking the wickets. Dan Cox did well with 0 for 15 from his five overs despite not picking up a wicket. Marple were under pressure in the reply at 20 for3, but a terrific effort saw them close on 182 for 7 and maximum draw points. The side saw four under fifteens included, and they all acquitted themselves well. Jamie Massey 51, Tom Reeve 40, Josh Kirk 28, Tom Headridge 27 not out and Dan Cox 10 not out. The last two mentioned added 33 unbroken for the eighth wicket in a spirited display.

 Marple’s improving women’s first eleven comfortably defeated Lymm Oughtrington Park in the side’s first home game of the season on Sunday May 12th. The bowlers, Kat Axon, Rosie Bradshaw, Kat Bennett, Abbi Lamidey, Richmal Giles and Rebecca Edmundson restricted Park to just 23 for 7! Marple openers Laura Cavanagh and skipper Ashley Aspin knocked off the runs without loss to bring up a ten wicket win.